Children hunt for prized-filled Easter eggs at Bessemer school

BESSEMER — Many area children delighted in finding candy, quarters and prize tickets inside Easter eggs during an egg hunt in Bessemer Saturday.

Kids and their parents from across the Gogebic Range attended the free event hosted by the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce at Washington Elementary School in Bessemer.

Attendees lined up by age before entering the main floor to search for 1,424 eggs hidden in the hallways, stairwells and around the gymnasium and stage. Each hunter was allowed to collect 10 eggs, and after every child had their eggs, everyone was able to grab as many of the remaining eggs as they could.

What were the fruits of the hunters’ labors? “Every egg had candy,” Chamber President Linda Nelson said. “Two-hundred-forty of them also had quarters and 96 of them had little tags for prizes.” Children redeemed prize slips for spring-themed items like bubbles, wiffle bats and balls, sand pails with shovels, Easter coloring books and more.

Nelson said she started the event about seven years ago. After the Bessemer Chamber recently reorganized its board of directors, they planned the event to benefit area families. “We’re the Chamber and we like to promote things in Bessemer,” Nelson said. “We’ve got to do something for families and kids, so what better way to do things and have the kids come?”

Attendees snacked on spring- and Easter-themed sugar cookies and juice while waiting for the event to start. The Chamber also provided Easter baskets for children who didn’t bring one to the hunt. The Easter bunny was on hand to visit with kids and pose for photos.

The event was organized mostly by Chamber members and their spouses, but volunteers are always welcome, according to Nelson. “The chamber starts it and whoever wants to come and help” is welcome, she said.

Upcoming Chamber events include regular Business After 5 events in Bessemer. “We’ve got Business After 5 going on, but that’s all we’re geared for right now,” Nelson said. “We’re just in the planning stages.”

Nelson said she was very pleased with the turnout. For her, the best part of seeing the event come together is the happiness on the children’s faces. “It’s so exciting to see the kids so happy and running around,” Nelson said.